Charlie Mitchell: What’s Done With PEER Information Stands as Most Important

Charlie Mitchell, syndicated columnist:

Three things to remember:

* PEER is a function of the Legislature.

* PEER’s job is to inform. Scandal is not inherent in PEER reports.

* PEER is powerless. Only if the Legislature or citizens react to PEER reports does anything happen. No reaction and the reports go on a shelf to collect dust.

Now, to expand.

As its full name indicates, PEER is actually a legislative committee, akin to Public Health or Appropriations. One difference is that while most committees operate only in the House or only in the Senate, PEER has 14 members, seven from each chamber.

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